When to re-pot an oncidium?

[LilyBean]

Hey,

First off please forgive my total lack of knowledge

I was given an oncidium and I'm not sure if it has grown to big for the pot? I know the leaves have curled because I was under watering it to begin with but there are a lot of roots, most of which seem ok to me, I read that firm white roots were healthy? I also read that you can split the plant if there are 6 or more health pseudobulbs? Not to sure I want to do this unless its necessary as I don't have a lot of space.

If it does need re-potting is there any medium that is best? I don't want to buy something that is not suitable as I don't have to much money.

Here are some pics

[orchidsarefun]

this is what I would recommend - and have actually just done myself as I could see new growth and new roots on my onc's/odont's
1) potting mix - coconut chips ( fine to medium ) and sphagnum moss. 80/20 ratio.
2) physically cut 1/3 of the roots off with a knife. Don't be squeamish !
3) try and remove as much of the old mix as possible, but carefully
4) repot into a 1 size bigger pot - so go from 4 to 5 inch, or 5 to 6. A bulb or lily pot is good, this is a pot that is shallower than a standard pot but has a larger diameter.
5) If you can put a small layer of packing peanuts on bottom of pot, this allows you to stand the pot in a dish of water ( not past that layer ). They like humidity. I have a plant with a lot of aerial roots that I arrange in the saucer of another.
6) Do not split the plant this year, if ever.

It would help if you knew the name of your hybrid. A few oncids like strong light/dappled sun.

BTW - the plant and the roots look really healthy

[camille1585]

Remove roots?? But why??? Such a shame to massacre a gorgeous root system. Other than that your instructions are as I would do it.

[silken]

I too would never remove healthy roots. But would do things pretty much the same otherwise. I just re-potted one of mine recently and it looks a lot like yours. Many growths and good roots. In the process of cleaning off the old media, the roots will get spread out and some broken inadvertently as it is.

[orchidsarefun]

I read in a couple of different places that you do that for Cymbidiums, Odonts/intergenerics and Zygos.
And it works ! It seems to reinvigorate....but please read the fine print under my signature.
I don't do the chop technique for any other orchids. You need to do what works for you - after experimenting

[LilyBean]

Thank you every one for such brilliant advice

I'm afraid I don't know the hybrid, it was given to me by my partners nan and even though she is brilliant with plants of all sorts never remembers the exact names of things!

I won't split the plant then if there is no real need I feel better to complicate things.

Now I have a precise shopping list hopefully I will re-pot it next weekend, I'll keep you posted on how I do

x

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

I read in a couple of different places that you do that for Cymbidiums, Odonts/intergenerics and Zygos.
And it works ! It seems to reinvigorate....but please read the fine print under my signature.
I don't do the chop technique for any other orchids. You need to do what works for you - after experimenting

Are you sure it's the root chopping and not simply the repotting that reinvigorates them? Seems like repotting often give those sorts of orchids a major growth spurt.

[orchidsarefun]

here's something from this Board on Cymbidiums, the reason makes sense. As I have said, I have seen this in a number of places, just can't remember where else. And I have been doing it with success.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RosieC View Post
Thanks WhiteRabbit and Cym Ladye

I'm interested about the removing 1/3 of the root ball... what is the reason for doing this.
Rosie,

The reason for the removal of the lower part of the root ball is to shorten the overall length of the roots. When the division is cleaned and ready for potting up, the roots should not reach the bottom of the pot where they can more easily rot due to the water tending to stay longer at the bottom. The removal of this root mass makes it easier to get the mix off the other roots and with less damage. There is more room for the eventual new root growth to go out into the new mix. No matter how careful one is, roots do break and it is the new root growth from the existing roots which support the plant. No point in filling up the pot with broken roots which will soon rot.

Cheers,

CL